World Cup 2018: Gay fans warned not to hold hands in public in Russia next summer
Official guidance to LGBT supporters attending finals next year will advise it is dangerous to hold hands in public
GAY supporters attending the World Cup in Russia will be warned it is dangerous to hold hands in public.
Thousands of LGBT fans are expected to make the trip the finals next summer supporting their countries, but they will be told to avoid showing public displays of affection.
A special guide is being produced by Fare, the old Football Against Racism in Europe, to be handed out to those making the journey to Russia.
The equality in football pressure group that works closely with Fifa and Uefa believe those in the LGBT community could face trouble if they display the sexuality in public.
Piara Powar, executive director of Fare, said: “The guide will advise gay people to be cautious in any place which is not seen to be welcoming to the LGBT community.
"The same message is there for black and ethnic minority fans – do go to the World Cup but be cautious.
"If you have gay fans walking down the street holding hands, will they face danger in doing so – that depends on which city they are in and the time of day.
“The guide will also include some detailed explanations of, for example, the actual situation of the LGBT community in Russia.
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"It is not a crime to be gay but there is a law against the promotion of homosexuality to minors.
"Issues relating to the LGBT community are not part of the public discourse. Gay people have a place in Russia which is quite hidden and underground.”
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The draw for the World Cup Finals takes place in Moscow on Friday with organisers insisting everyone will be welcome to the country next summer.
Russia has worked hard to clean up the image of the country amid fears homophobia and racism worries are deterring some people from attending.
Though publicly senior figures in Russia appear to criticise anyone who attacks the country's record on equality, they have been tackling the problem without fanfare.
Over 300 far-right extremists have already been banned from attending, and Powar added: “In Russia it tends to be that politicians feel they are being attacked and say it is all a western conspiracy driven by the western media – usually the UK media.
"Then after a while they accept there are some issues and quietly get on with dealing with those issues.
"The local population are pretty proud of the fact they are hosting and want to be seen as acting as a good host.”